The year is winding down to a close. As most people begin to shift their focus from 2016 to 2017, New Year resolutions are made: to lose weight, to nix a bad habit, to finally seek help for their Netflix addiction.
While those are all admirable personal goals (who needs to binge-watch an entire season of Stranger Things in one night, anyway?), your small business needs a set of New Year resolutions, too.
Not sure where to start? Let us help! Repeat after us: In 2017, I resolve to …
#1: Create Quality Content
Content is still king — but the kind of content that resonates with your readers (and Google’s algorithms) has changed a bit. Spun articles and half-plagiarized blog posts aren’t going to cut it, so don’t even bother.
Provide real value instead: Publish how-to posts and list tips on maximizing your products. In short, if it’s something that saves or earns them money, time or effort, that’s providing value.
While you’re at it, incorporate a variety of mediums, including video, photographs and infographics. Variety is the spice of life!
#2: Appreciate My Employees
If you’re lucky enough to have some people in your corner, treat them well. Motivated employees perform better, have higher morale and are more invested in your small business’ success!
#3: Make My Website Amazing
Your website is one of your first points of contact with potential customers, and if it’s not up to snuff, then there’s no point. Good isn’t good enough in this area — nothing short of amazing will do!
#4: Try Something New
We get it. New is scary. You know what’s scarier, though? Staying the same! Resolve to try at least one new thing in 2017, be it a social media platform you haven’t yet explored, dabbling in paid advertising or trying your hand at video marketing. What’s the worst that can happen?
#5: Trim the Fat
The more you add to your marketing plate, the fuller you’ll get — but you may be paying for empty calories! Take a good look at your current initiatives. If they’re not satisfying (or producing results), cut them! A bloated small business marketing strategy is something you just can’t afford.
#6: Keep Up With the Industry
Regularly following industry blogs, knowing what the enemy — uh, the “competition” — is up to, and keeping up with the latest marketing trends will provide plenty of inspiration on those “meh” weeks when you’re just not sure what to do.
#7: Protect Your Rep
Approximately 88% of consumers read online reviews to help them make an informed decision about a business, product or service. How do your reviews stack up? If you’re not already regularly reading and responding to reviews (both favorable and unfavorable), now is the time to start. You have a reputation to protect!
#8: Participate in a Community Event
As a small business owner, it’s tough to stay visible, and you’re not going to get too far hiding behind a computer screen. Go out and meet your community! Fairs, festivals and parades offer plenty of chances for you to shake hands, peddle your wares and put a friendly face to your business’ name.
#9: Take a Break
Owning your business means you rarely (if ever) clock out — but it doesn’t have to be that way (in fact, it shouldn’t). Whether it’s a weekend off the grid or a long cruise, it’s important to make time for yourself and your family — and a break will leave your relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to rock!
#10: Ask for Help
No small business owner is an island. Occasionally, it’s important to take a step back, look at what you can do for yourself, and ask for help with what you can’t. Whether you need a hand with social media, content, ideation or just some good old-fashioned marketing tips, Mischa Communications is here to help! Email or call us today and let us take some of the load off your shoulders.